Illiana Christian is a perfect 3-0 against Calumet New Tech since April of 2022 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Tuesday. The Vikings will face off against the Warriors at 5:00 p.m. Illiana Christian will be strutting in after a win while Calumet New Tech will be coming in after a loss.
Illiana Christian will roll into the contest after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up one run on Saturday, then bounced right back against Wheeler on Monday. The Vikings were the clear victors by a 23-0 margin over the Bearcats. The high-scoring performance was a welcome turnaround for the Vikings' hitters, who had struggled in the games prior.
Gabe Soto
| 04/14/25 vs Wheeler | 3 |
| 06/15/24 vs Providence | 1 |
| 05/27/24 vs North Newton | 2 |
| 05/17/24 @ Andrew | 2 |
| 05/10/24 @ South Bend Saint Joseph | 0 |
| 05/04/24 vs Mishawaka | 3 |
Spencer Bandstra and Gabe Soto made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, Bandstra struck out six batters over three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits (and only one walk). Meanwhile, Soto pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. What's more, he posted three strikeouts, the most he's had since back in May of 2024. At the plate, Bandstra scored a run while going 3-for-4, while Soto got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one home run, five RBI, and two runs.
In other batting news, Jake Scott was incredible, scoring three runs while going 2-for-4. What's more, he posted three RBI, the most he's had since back in May of 2024. Luke Smith was another key player, scoring two runs while getting on base in three of his four plate appearances.
Illiana Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .667. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Wheeler only posted an OBP of .333.
Meanwhile, Monday just wasn't the day for Calumet New Tech's offense. They lost 21-0 to Hammond Bishop Noll on Monday. Calumet New Tech just can't catch a break and has now endured five defeats in a row dating back to last season.
Illiana Christian's victory was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 2-1. Those home wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Calumet New Tech, their loss dropped their record down to 0-3.
Everything went Illiana Christian's way against Calumet New Tech in their previous matchup back in April of 2024, as Illiana Christian made off with a 24-1 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Vikings since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
